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Research
the Company
Gain an understanding of the company’s products or services,
locations, stock market position and standing in its particular
industry. Most of this information can usually be found on their
web site.
Review
the Job Description
Spend time reflecting on your experience and qualifications as they
pertain to the specific position for which you will interview. Be
prepared to articulate examples of how you have previously performed
similar duties. Be able to provide specific examples of the positive
impact you had on your organization.
Anticipate
Interview Questions
Before your interview, think about and rehearse your responses to
anticipated questions. Remember, an interview is an opportunity
for the interviewer to determine who is the most qualified candidate
for the job. You will be asked specific questions to determine whether
you are the most qualified candidate— anticipate these, prepare
for them, and practice your answers.
Frequently
Asked Job Interview Questions
The following are examples of common questions asked in an interview.
- What
is your greatest strength?
- What
is your greatest weakness?
- Why
are you looking to leave your current job?
- What
was your reason for leaving your last position?
- What
short-term goals and objectives have you established for yourself?
- How
would you evaluate your ability to deal with conflict?
- Given
the investment our company will make in hiring and training you,
can you give us a reason to hire you?
- Describe
what you've accomplished toward reaching a recent goal for yourself
and what is that goal.
- Can
you describe your long-range goals and objectives?
Questions
You Can Ask During the Interview
Toward
the end of most job interviews, the interviewer will give you the
opportunity to ask questions. Ask at least one question; to do otherwise
often signals the interviewer that you don't really have any interest
in the job or the company. On the other hand, do not ask questions
where the answer is obvious or readily available— or when the
topic has already been thoroughly discussed in the interview. Never
ask about salary and benefit issues until the employer raises those
subjects.
The
following are some examples of the types of questions you might
ask at a job interview:
- What
is the reason this position is available?
- What
are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful
within the organization?
- What
in my background makes you feel I’d be successful in this
position?
- How
would you characterize the management philosophy of this organization?
Of your department?
- Can
you describe a typical day for someone in this position?
- Where
do you see the company in 3/5 years? What part will I play in
the 3/5-year company plan?
- Describe
the company culture.
The
Interview
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your interview is scheduled to
begin. Bring several copies of your resume in a briefcase or portfolio.
Make
sure you know with whom you will interview and how to pronounce
their names.
Greet
your interviewer with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
Be
positive and enthusiastic— remember, people hire people they
like.
Close
the interview in a positive manner.
At
the end of the interview always ask your interviewer the following
question: "Do you have any questions about my ability to perform
the duties of this job?" This will give you a final opportunity
to address any unanswered concerns about your experience.
If
you are interested in the position, make a point of telling your
interviewer that you are interested in moving forward and inquire
into the next step in the process.
Ask
for the business card of the interviewer, it will be necessary for
post-interview follow up.
Post
Interview Follow Up
After the interview, take a few minutes to consider the questions
you were asked and write them down for future reference. Reflect
on your answers— given another opportunity, would you answer
them differently?
Send
a thank you letter to each of your interviewers. Make sure to thank
them for the opportunity to interview with them, and use this as
an opportunity to mention why you feel you are the right person
for the position (based on experience).
If
DavidWayneAssociates scheduled the interview, keep in close contact
with us. We will use our years of experience to guide you through
the interview process and help you obtain a great career opportunity.
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